Too commercialised, but great for kids (Gatlinburg)

Member Name: janeh

Product:	Gatlinburg
Date:	23/07/01 (201 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lots to see and do, Everything in one place

Disadvantages: Too commercialised, Too tacky

Gatlinburg is a strange town which seems to be trying to hang onto its mountain town image, whilst at the same time wanting to get as many tourists to visit as possible by providing all sorts of tacky attractions.

As you walk along the main street you see many buildings which look very old and original and quite picturesque. The only problem is they house amusement arcades or tacky gift shops. Gatlinburg is older in style than neighbouring Pigeon Forge, but just as commercialised.

We visited Ripley’s Aquarium which only opened this year. It was $16 per adult but it was a very good aquarium. If you have visited a Sea Life centre at one of our seaside resorts, you will know the sort of thing, only this is much bigger. There are lots of exhibits in very large tanks. You walk through an underground tunnel to view sharks etc and you can stroke crabs and stingrays. It is a very nicely set out place with plenty of space. It is one of the best aquariums we have visited.

There is also a Ripley’s Museum and Guinness World Records place. There are too many gift shops and t-shirt shops to count. It has a couple of shopping arcades and lots of restaurants and hotels. There is a sky lift which takes you up the side of the mountain in a ski lift. (The area is a ski resort in the winter).

There appeared to be plenty of parking, although the roads are very busy. There is also a trolley bus service operating between Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and local attractions such as Dollywood and the National Park.

It really is a shame that a town in such a beautiful place as the Smoky Mountains has fallen prey to tourism. Yes we were tourists, but we would much have preferred to see the essence of the old mountain town it once must have been, than the sprawling tourism trap they have turned it into. If you have kids, this is the place to be (or Pigeon Forge). There is plenty for them to do and you are near enough to the mountains to esc
ape if you want to. We, however will not be returning.

Summary: